Pressing machine



5 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed July 21, 1932 ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 8, 1936. H D. FORSE 2,053,366

PRES S ING MACHINE ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 8, 1936. H. D. FORsE JPRESSING MACHINE Filed July 21, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3.

ATTORNEYS.

SeptS, 1936. D FORSE 2,053,366

PRESSING MACHINE Filed July 21, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY-51 Sept. 8, 1936. H. D. 'FORSE 2,053 366 PRESSING MACHINE Filed July 21, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEYJ:

Patented Sept. 8, 1936 aosasst FRESSING MAG m Harry E. Forse, derson, in

dpplication any 21. m2, Serial No. tear.

(oi. sewn) ll? Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in pressing machines of the type generally used in laundry and garment work.

An object of the present invention is to provide lmprpved press closing mechanism for moving a pressing member. rapidly from open position until the press is nearly closed, for moving it more slowly until the press is completely closed, and for thereafter holding the press closed.

My improved pressing machine also provides power means for closing the press, a control member for the power means and a novel-arrange ment for maintaining the control member in it actuated position.

Another feature of my invention is the provision of a pressing machine having fluid actuated power means for closing the same and automatic means for controlling the fluid valves when the press is closed to maintain fluid pressure in the power means.

My invention also contemplates the provision of means for releasing the pressing machine from. its closed position which includes an arrangement for exhausting fluid from the power means at the same time. a

My invention also provides a positive stop means preventing the press closing mechanism ber, in addition to that above described, which is so arranged'that if the first stop member is tied in inoperative position the second stop member will prevent opening of the press.

My pressing machine is also provided with improved control mechanism by which a single manual may be used to actuate inlet and outlet valves for controlling fluid power means for operating the press. This control member is so arranged that the press may be closed with fluid pressure trapped in the power means and upon actuation of the release mechanism of the press the control member will relieve the fluid pressure in the power means.

My improved control mechanism provides control manuals for a fluid actuated power means, mechanical means for maintaining the manuals in their actuatedposition, and means for automatically releasing the maintaining means if the manuals are not held in operated position by the operator until the press has passed a predetermined position in its closing cycle.

Another feature of my control mechanism is the provision oiv a combined latch and stop member and a connection with the operating manuals of the press whereby the manuals must both be actuated together to hold the combined member in position ineffective to act as a stop member during the closing cycle of the press. Upon the release of both manuals the combined member is returned to latching position to hold the press closed.

Other novel features of my invention reside in the arrangementof the various parts necessary to provide the above described novel features, as is more fully set forth in the drawings and the accompanying specification.

In the drawings, Fig. l is a side elevation of a pressing machine embodying my invention with the movable pressing element and associated parts in open position; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the press closed and before the operator has released the manual; Fig. 3 is a front elevation of certain of the operating mechanism associated with the power or head moving means; Fig.4 is a side elevation similar to a portion of Fig. 1 and showing a modified form of the invention; Fig. 5 is a fragmental view partly in section and somewhat diagrammatlc showing an arrangement of inlet and outlet valves for. the power mechanism suitable for actuation by a singlemanual; Figs. 6 and '7 illustrate a modification and are similar to equivalent portions of Figs. 1 and 2, i. e.,- Fig. 6 corresponds to open position of the press and Fig. 7 corresponds to closed position before the manual is released; Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the valve structure for controlling the power means: Fi". 9 is adiagrammatic layout of the pressure fluid syslatch operating mechanism of Figs. 6 and 7, Fig. 11 being a view along the line lI-li of Fig. 10;- while Fig. 121s a perspective view of the fluid valve chamber and two of the valve operating manuals.

'I have illustratedmy invention as embodied in a pressing machine of a well known type having a frame i0 upon which is mounted a support Ii which carries a pressing bed 12. Upon a bracket l3 of the frame is pivotally mounted at M a head lever l5 which carries at its forward free end a pressing chest or head l6 adapted to.coact with the bed. For movement of the head to open and iii ' tem; Figs. 10 and 11 are views of a portion of the spect to the power mechanism when the press is closed. This connection comprises a bellcrank l8 pivotally mounted on the head lever at H and pivotally connected at 22 with the pull link. A threaded member I9 has a screw connection with the upstanding arm of bellcrank l8 so as to adjust the position of the bellcrank toward and away from the rearwardly extending projection 26 of the link 2|. The lower end of pull link 2| is pivotally connected at 25 with an arm 24 which in turn is pivotally supported on the frame at 23. The lower end 26 of link 2| is moved in a clockwise direction about the point 23 to close the head upon the bed. This movement of link 2| is accomplished by a pair of toggle links 28 and 33 pivotally connected together at 29 and pivoted at one end to the pull link at 21 and at the other end to the frame at 34. The toggle links are normally biased in the broken position shown in Fig. l, which corresponds to the open position of the press, by means of a spring 31 which has a connection at 36 with a pin 35 on toggle link 28 and an adjustable connection 38 at its upper end which engages a shoulder 38 on the frame.

For moving the toggle toward straightened position to close the press I provide a cam whose surface is so arranged that the toggle is moved very rapidly during the period when the head is moving from wide open position to fairly close proximity to the bed, then with a slower movement while the head is slowly moved into final pressure engagement with the bed, and a portion of the cam is finally engaged to lock the press closed. This arrangement is best seen in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprises a cam 48 which is rigidly mounted on ashaft 42 which in turn is supported by brackets 4| on the frame. 43 provides the first rapid movement of the pressingmembers from wide open to nearly closed position, the portion from 44 to 40 provides the slow final closing movement of the pressing members and the portion 45 holds the pressing members locked in their fully closed position during a pressing operation. The cam surfaces engage a follower 32 which is rotatably mounted at3| on an upstanding arm 30 which is rigid with toggle link 33.

Power mechanism is provided for rotating the cam so as to produce the press closing operation. The power device illustrated comprises a motor 56 having a piston 56' whose piston rod 49 is pivotally connected at 48 to an arm 46 which is integral with cam 40 or rigid with shaft 42 as desired, so long asarm 46 and cam 40 move in unison. A plurality of openings 41 is provided in arm 46 for adjustability. The motor so is pivotally mounted at 5| in a base member 52 which may also have a pluralityof adjustments as provided at 53.

Means is provided for locking the cam 46 in'its position corresponding to a closed press. This means comprises an arm 51 rigidwith cam 46 which has at its free end'a camming surface 51a adapted to cam outwardly a roller 58a on a latch 58 as arm 51 moves in a clockwise direction during closing of the press. When the press is closed roller 58a comes to rest beneath arm 51 and holds cam 40 in the locked position of Fig. 2. The latch 58 is pivotally mounted at 58d upon a suitable fixed bracket and hasla projection 53a. at its upper end which is engaged by a suitable compression spring 5% which biases thelatch toward the locking position of Fig. 2. At the lower end of the latch are projections 58 for a purpose later described.

Power means is provided for moving-the latch The cam portion a,ooa,sco

'58 to unlock cam 40 when is is desired to open 50 is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3., 8, 9 and 12. In a.

suitable position on the frame is mounted a valve chest 69 which is supplied with motive fluid through conduit 68a. In this valve chest are mounted a normally closed inlet valve 12 and a normally open exhaust valve 13 for controlling motor 50, a press release valve 1'4 and a tandem valve 15 for a release operation at another press. These valves are operated respectively by manuals 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a. The valves are provided with suitable stems which are indicated by the suffix b and the valves are .biased to their normal positions by springs indicated by the suffix 0. Chest 69 is divided by the partition wall 466 25 so as to provide a supply chamber 69b and an exhaust chamber 680 which communicates with the atmosphere through a vent 69d. A combined flow and exhaust conduit 465 provides communication between motor 58 and chambers 69b 30 and 680. Valves 12, I4 and 15 are similarly actuated and only the mechanism connected with valve 12 is fully illustrated. This comprises a link 10' adapted to engage beneath an enlarged head on the valve stem 12b, this link I6 being 35 connected by a link 1| with an arm 12d rigid with manual 12a and extending on the opposite side of the fulcrum 12c so that pressure downward upon manual 12:; raises links H and 10' thereby, lifting valve I2 from its seat against the bias of spring 12c. Exhaust valve 13 has a slightly different leverage as best seen in Fig. 12

which shows manual 13a pivotally mountedat 13c and having a rearwardly extending portion 13d connected by link H with link 10. The fulcrum of link 10 is arranged sothat depression of manual 13a depresses stem 13b and moves valve 13 against its seat. Simultaneous actuation of manuals 12a and 13a is thus necessary to effectively supply motive fluid to motor 50.

Mechanical means is provided for maintaining one or both of the valves 12 and 13 in their actuated position when the press is finally closed. To this end links 18 and 13' are pivotally connected at I1 and 11' respectively with the actuating mechanism for valves 13 and 12 respectively as best seen in Figs. 1, 2 and 12. These links extend downwardly through guiding slots 82 in pivots 34. Maintenance of links 18 and 18 in their raised position will maintain valve 12 open and valve 60 I3 closed. For so maintaining links 18 and 18', each is provided at its lower end witha yoke so, 88' and a follower 8|, 8| which is adapted to be engaged by a seat 84, 84' on an arm 83, 83'

which is pivotally mounted upon the frame and 05 and therefore upon actuation of valves 12 and 13 and the raising of links 18 and 18', seats 84, 84' will be effective to engage beneath the links 18, 18' and hold them in that position.

-I prefer to close the inlet valve 12 when the press is finally closed so as to trap the air in motor 59. To thisend I provide an arm 65 rigid with shaft 42 which is adapted to engage a pin 93 on rod 69' as the press is finally closed which would thus pull upon rod 89 and rotate arm 83' in a clockwise direction so as to move seat 84' closed by its springs The parts would then be in the position of Fig. 2 with the press locked closed,

valve 12 closed, and valve 13 held closed by seat 84 after the operator releases manual 13a. I provide the following mechanism as an additional safeguard to compel safe operation of the press. On pivot 39 is mounted a bellcrank having an upstanding arm 85 and a laterally extending arm 86. A spring 98 biases the bellorank against an abutment 81 on the frame. In its normal position the upper end of arm 85 lies beneath an abutment 92 on cam 49 when the press is open as shown in Fig. 1. To move arm 85 out of the blocking position of Fig. 1 a link 89 connected to the extremity of arm 86 extends upwardly to a single-tree 99 (see Fig. 12) and this is connectedat 9| with the portions 12d and 13d of manuals 12a. and 13a. This arrangement compels the actuation of both manuals as neither of them alone will provide sufiicient movement of link 89 to move the bellcrank arm 85 out of the blocking position of Fig. 1 to the position shown in Fig. 2.

To. prevent the fastening of arm 85 of the above-described bellcrank in a position where it would be inefiective against abutment 92, I provide an arm 94 pivotally mounted on the arm 95 at 95 and biased in a clockwise direction by a spring 95. This movement is limited by the engagement of shoulder 91 against arm 85. It results from this arrangement that if arm 85 beheld in its forwardmost position as shown in Fig. 2, (as by tying it there) arm 94 is in blocking position against abutment 92when the press is closed, as shown in Fig. 2, and this will prevent opening of the-press. It. is therefore necessary as above described to, depress both manuals 12a and 130. when the press is closed to pull upon link 89 and holdarm 85 in the position of Fig. 2; but after the press is closed the release of one or both manuals, because of single-tree 99, will permit clockwise'rotation of latch 58 alreadydescribed.

arm 85. to return toward the position of Fig. 1 and the arm 94 will be outof the way of abutment 92 when the press again opens.

To release the press from the closed position of Fig. 2 manual 14a. is depressed which opens valve 19 and admits fluid from the chamber 69b throughconduits 459 and 58 to motor ti l-which causes the rearward stroke of piston 59a and the Spring 31 will then return the parts to the open position shown. in Fig. 1. The rearward .move-, ment of a part 59 oi. latch 58 is suificient to-engage nut 61 and to withdraw seat 84 from beneath link 18v so as to open exhaust valve 13 simultaneously with release of the latch The other part 59 will also engage nut 9i and withdraw seat 84- from beneath link18' and close valve 12 if this has not already been accomplished by arm85..

In Fig. 4, I have illustrated a modification of a part of the. operating mechanism, of Fig. 1 and similar parts of themechanism have been given numerals of the one hundred series corresponding on the closing cycle of the press to enable abutment I92 to pass the automatic stop arrangement shown. To this end I have provided a contact member 299 on a rod 292 which is slidably mounted upon the arm I85 and the contact member is biased in extended position by a spring 29 I. The lower end of rod 292 is provided with portions 293 which are adapted to engage arms 294 rigid with the members I83 of which there are two as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. For this purpose the rod 292 may have a lateral extension or bifurcated end as indicated at 295 so as to provide two operating members, one on each side of the machine. It will be understood'that arm I86 is rigid with arm I85 and connected by rod I89 to a single-tree arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 12 so that actuation of manuals I12a and I130. together is necessary to move arm I85 clockwise about pivot I34 which will remove contact member 299 from the path of abutment I92 as cam I49 moves on its press closing cycle. If the operator release one or both of these manuals before'abutrnent I92 has passed member 299 the seat I84 will hold the manual in actuated position and cam I49 will continue to move until abutment I92 has contacted member-299 and depressed rod 292 so that portions 293 engage the arms or lugs 204 which will move the arms I83 in clockwise direction and release the links I18 so that the valves in chamber I69 will be returned to their normal positions by their actuating springs and the press will open, as the other press parts will function as those of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of a combined inlet and exhaust valve formotor 59 which may be operated by a single manual if desired. So far as possible parts similar or analogous to those of Figs. 1 and 2 are given similar numerals of the two hundred series. This valve casing has a fluid inlet 259a, a fluid outlet 21I and an intermediate chamber 99Ifrom which branches conduit 265 which is a combined flow and exhaust the only modification being the arrangement of seat284' on arm 288whichis provided with an additional stop 284a. When the press is open seat 289a isentirely removed from beneath link 218 and valve 212 is closedand valve 213 is open. Upon depression of manual 213a, either alonefor in combination with a second manual connected with the single-tree arrangement and a link corresponding to 89 connected with a stop member 85, aspreviously described, fluid flows through a conduit 295 to operate a motor 259 (not shown) arm of Figs. 1 and 2 wilt move the rod 269 suf-.

ficiently to move arm 283 to the position shown in Fig. 5 at which time link 218 drops from seat 284 to seat 28411. This corresponds to closed position of both valves as shown in Fig. 5 and traps the fluid pressure in the operating motor. Upon actuating the press release'mechanism of motor 54 the latch 58 will move the link 280 beyond the position of Fig. 5 so as to rotate arm 283 in a counterclockwise direction, thus removing seat 284a from beneath link 218, whereupon spring 380 will move arm 218 clockwise and open outlet valve 213 for the exhaust of the press operating motor.

Figs. 6 and '7 are similar to Figs. 1 and 2 and show a modification of the press control mechanism. Parts similar to those in Figs. 1 and 2 have been given like numerals of the three hundred series. Here latch 358 and arm 351 on cam 348 are so arranged that latch 858 when standing in its normal position vertically as seen in Fig. '7,

places roller 358a directly in the path of movement of the somewhat flattened portion 851a of arm 351. With the latch in this position it acts also as a stop member for cam 340 and prevents the complete closing of the press. To hold latch 358 in the rearward position of Fig. 6 so it is ineifective to act as a stop member, I provide mechanism which requires the use of both hands of the operator. This is more clearly shown in Figs. 10 and 11 and comprises -a single-tree arrangement 392 connected to latch 358 and operable ,by two bellcranks 38l pivoted at 888 on opposite sides of the motor 354. Each bellcrank has an arm 330 which carries an adjustable con-. tact member 384 and these contact members engage opposite ends of the single-tree 382. The longer arms of the bellcranks 3! are secured to the links 31l which are connected one with the manual 312a and the other with manual 313a. These manuals are similar to those previously described,-312a actuating the inlet valve for motor 358 and 313a actuating the outlet valve for that motor. The arrangement of the single-tree 382 is such that both manuals must be depressed to move latch 858 to the-position where it is ineffective as a combined stop and latch member.

The operation of this modified form of control mechanism is as follows: To close the press the operator depresses manuals 812a and 818a which moves latch 858 rearwardly where it is ineffective either as a latch'or a stop member. The latch is then in the position of Fig. 1 and it will be'noted part 888 does not move rearward sufflciently to engage nut 881 to pull rod 888 rear-v ward. Therefore seat 884 remains beneath link 318. Motor 888 actuates earn 848 to close the press. The operator then releases manuals 818a and 313a whereupon the inlet valve closes if arm 385 has engaged a pin similar to 88 on rod 888' so as to move seat 884' to the position shown in Fig. 7. However. seat 884 remains beneath link 318 and holds the exhaust valve in its operated or closed position when the operator releases manual 818a and the parts are in theposition of Fig. 7. Upon the release of the manuals latch 888 is returned beneath arm 881 by its biasing spring and the press is locked closed. This return movement of latch 858 is made possible by the lost motion connection between links 8" and 318.. Fluid is thus trapped in motor 888 while the press is closed. The press is opened by release motor 884 in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. that is to say, the motor piston makes a stroke rearwardly which moves latch 888' to the position movement toward the other for pressing purposes, of a fluid pressure operable mechanism for causing such pressing movement, means for controlling the application of pressure, stop means arranged to prevent pressing movement and coordinated with the control means for pcsitioning the stop means in inoperative position when predetermined positioning of the control means is effected, and a second stop means operatively associated with the first mentioned stop means for preventing return movement of the movable press element upon deliberate movement of the first mentioned stop means into an inoperative position to defeat the protection of the first mentioned stop means.

2. The combination with a pair of pressing elements one of which is movably supported for movement toward the other for pressing purposes, of a fluid pressure operable power means for causing such pressing movement, means for returning the movable member to non-pressing position, a pressure fluid supply valve and a pressure fluid discharge valve for said power means. means operable in the movement of the movable member into final pressing position .to automatically shut the supply valve, means for releasing the movable element to the returning means, and other means 'operablein the initial movement of the releasing means to open the discharge valve.

3. A device as defined by claim 2, characterized by the addition of means operable in the initial movement of the releasing means for actuating the supply valve to close the same when the first mentioned supply -valve closing means fails to function.

4. The combination with a pair of pressing elements one of which is movably supported for movement toward the other. for pressing purposes, of a fluid pressure operable means for causing such pressing movement, a dual valve for supplying pressure to, holding pressure in and exhausting pressure from said fluid pressure op-' for effecting dual valve operation, and means operatively associated with the single means for automatically stopping fluid pressure supply to the operable means upon the movable member attaining pressing position, means for initiating the opening of the press and means for automatically exhausting the pressure from the pressure operable means forrelease of the movable member upon, the operation of said press opening initiating mechanism.

. 5. In a pressing machine, a frame, a pressing bed thereon, a head lever pivotally mounted on the frame, a pressing head carried by saidlever for movement into and out 'of engagement with said bed to close and open the press, an oscillating link pivoted on the frame, a pull link connected between the head lever and said oscillating link, a toggle for moving said oscillating link and the pull link connected therewithin press.

atively movable pressing members, power means. and mechanism connected therewith for relatively moving said members to close the press, means for opening the press when said power means is released, supply means for said power means in-,

cluding control members operable by spaced manuals requiringactuation by'two hands of an operator for eiiective supply of power to said means and mechanism connected therewith forrelatively moving said members to close the press, stop means normally in operative position for engaging a part of said mechanism to prevent press closure, and two spaced manuals having a single-tree connection with said stop means requiring actuation of both manuals to, move said step means to inoperative position.

8. In a pressing machine,'a pair of coacting rela-,

- tively movable pressing members, acylinder and piston motor for relatively moving said members to close the press, fluid supply means for said motor including a normally closed inlet valve and a normally open outlet valve, means for actuating said valve to supply fluid to the cylinder of said motor, means for holding said valves in actuated position; and means actuated by final closing movement, of said motor for releasing said inlet valve holding means to cut off fluid supply to said motor. 1

9. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting relatively movable pressing members, a cylinder and piston motor for relatively moving said menibers to close the press, fluid supply means for said motor including a normally closed inlet valve and a normally open outlet valve, means for actuating said valves to supply fluid to the cylinder of said motor, means for holding said valves in actuated position, means for latching the press closed, means for releasing said latch means, and means operable upon release of said latching means to releasesaid holding means.

l0. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting relatively movable pressing members, power means and connecting mechanism for moving one of said pressing members to close the press, means tending to open the press when said power means is deenergized, a control member for said power means biased toward press-opening-producing position, maintaining means for holding said control member in press-closing-producing position after manual movement to thahpositlon, release means for said maintaining means and normally operable by a part of said press closing mechanism to move said maintaining means to inoperative position, and an operative connection between said release means and said control member for holding said release means in mop erative position by actuation of said control member in press-closing-producing direction.

11. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting relatively movable pressing members, power means and connecting mechanism for moving one of said pressing members to close the press, means tending to open the press when said power means is deenergized, a control member for said e 5 power means biased toward press-opening-producing position, maintaining means for holding said control member in press-closing-producing position after manual movement to that position, release means for said maintaining means and normally operable by a part of said press closing mechanism to move said maintaining means to inoperative position, two spaced safety manuals each requiring a hand of the operator for its actuation, and an operative connection between said manuals and release means requiring operation of both manuals for holding said release means-in inoperative position.

12. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting relatively movable pressing members, power means and connecting mechanism for moving one of said pressing members to close the press, means tending to open the press when said power means is deenergized, supply means for said power means including control members operable by two spaced safety manuals requiring two hands of an operator for their actuation,

means biasing said control members to pressopening-producing position, maintaining means for holding said control members in pressclosing-producing position after manual movement to that position, release means for said maintaining means and normally operable by a part of said press closing mechanism to move said maintaining means to inoperative position, and an operative connection between said manuals and release means requiring operation of both manuals for holding said release means in inoperative position.

13. A pressing machine as in claim 12, and

1 including a stop means normally in operative position for engagement by a part of said press closing mechanism for preventing closure of said press, and in which said operative connection with said manuals is arranged to move said stop means to inoperative position.

14. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting relatively movable pressing members, power means for relatively moving said members to close the press, means tending to open the press upon deenergization of said power means, a combined latch and stop member arranged when in operative position to prevent closure of the press and after the press is closed operable to latch the'press closed independently of said. power means, and means for holdingsaid combined member in inoperative position during press closure and for returning said combined member to eiIective latching position after press closure.

15; In a pressing machine, a pair of ,coacting relatively movable pressing members, power means for relatively moving said members to close the press, means tending to open the press upon deenergization of said power means, a

combined latch and stop member-arranged when in operative position .to prevent closure of the press and after the press is closed operable to latchthe press closed independently of said power means, and control means for said power means including means for holding said combined member in inoperative position during press closure and for returning said combined member to efiective latching position after press closure.

16. In a pressing machine, a pair of coactingpress and alter the press is closed operable to latch the press closed independently of said .power means, and supply means for said'power means including control members operable by two spaced safety manuals requiring the two hands or an operator for their actuation, and an 8,058,366 inoperative position to prevent closure of thecausing relative ironing engagement of said members, said means including a toggle and a cam coactingtherewith to move said toggle by a continuous action toward straightened position to close the press, said cam having a portion for causing rapid movement of said toggle while relatively moving said members from open to nearly closed position, said cam having a pori tion for causing slow movement of said toggle from said nearly closed position into final closed position, and there being a smooth curve con- -'necting said cam portions to insure continuous action.

HARRY D. FORSE. 

